SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - Many senior citizens provide support to their children, grandchildren, and communities, and it's a good idea to offer resources available to them.
Here are some helpful resources for seniors living in Savannah:

Getty Images
Food
This program provides meals for those over the age of 55 (or younger, if disabled) to get meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Cost for meals depends on individual circumstances, meals may be provided along a sliding fee scale, from no cost to full price.
While no senior will be denied a meal because of an inability to pay, the senior may be asked to contribute voluntarily toward the cost of a meal. For more information or to schedule a call to get started clickhere, call 912-236-0363or toll free at 866-579-2116. For questions, you can also email questions@seniorcitizens-inc.org
Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
Their Brown Bag for the Elderly program provides grocery assistance to seniors who are 60 years of age and older, who meet the income eligibility requirements. The program is designed to ensure seniors in the Savannah community have enough food to last through the end of the month. For more information, call 912-721-1795, or email cdingle@helpendhunger.org.
Anyone over the age of 55 (or younger, if disabled) can get meals that are nutritious for breakfast, lunch, and dinner delivered to your home for free. Whether you or a loved one has long-term or short-term disabilities, or is recovering from surgery, illness, or accidents, they've designed the meals for seniors that caters to you.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, provide any eligible citizen monthly funds to buy groceries. If you are over age 60, your household has a permanent fixed income, such as Social Security Income, and members of your household are not working, you may qualify for Senior SNAP. To find out more, call the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at 877-423-4746. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call GA Relay at 800-255-0135. These services are free.

Getty Images
Insurance
Georgia's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, Georgia SHIP provides free local assistance for health insurance related issues, including Medicare, prescription drug assistance, financial assistance programs and long-term care insurance. Those in need of assistance with Medicare can call 1-866-552-4464 and select Option 4. Assistance is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 years or older, certain people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. When you first enroll in Medicare, you'll have Original Medicare, unless you make another choice. There are different ways you can get Medicare coverage, including a Medicare Advantage Plan (like HMO or PPO). In some types of plans that don't offer drug coverage, you may be able to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Visit Medicare.govto:
- Get detailed information about the Medicare health and prescription drug plans in your area, including what they cost and what services they provide.
- Find doctors or other health care providers and suppliers who participate in Medicare.
- See what Medicare covers, including preventive services.
- Get Medicare appeals information and forms.
- Get information about the quality of care provided by plans, nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and dialysis facilities.
- Look up helpful websites and phone numbers.

Getty Images
Nursing Homes, Rehabilitation Centers
This will help in exploring senior living and care options that meet your specific preferences. It offers information about places for seniors to live. Many listings have pictures and details to help you make decisions. You can look through the listings and save the ones you like in one document that's easy to print. Or you can fill out a form online to get lots of information, like how much it costs and if there's space available, directly from the places you find interesting.
Find and compare Medicare-certified nursing homes and rehabilitation centers based on a location and compare the quality of care they provide and their staffing. A nursing home is a place for people who can't be cared for at home and need 24-hour nursing care.
Helps to find nursing home care for veterans. The nursing home options displayed are VA community living centers, state veterans' homes and private sector nursing homes who have VA contracts. To see the current options for Savannah and the surrounding area click here.

Getty Images
Pets (Relinquishing)
If you are a resident of Chatham County and can no longer care for your pet, you may surrender your dog or cat to Chatham County Animal Services (CCAS). Surrendering your pet to CCAS should be an absolute last resort - as an open intake shelter, euthanasia is a possibility. Try speaking with family members or friends about taking your pet, add your pet to an online rehoming listing or contact local rescue groups.
Humane Society of Greater Savannah
A no-kill managed admission animal shelter that takes in animals surrendered by owners as well as animals from other licensed shelters and rescue groups. Not every animal brought to this shelter is accepted.
The first step in the surrender process for dogs and cats is to submit an online questionnaire for your pet here. They also offer a free rehoming listing if you would like to try to rehome your animal on your own. You may also list your animal on the rehoming program page. They also accept small mammals such as ferrets, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters as their resources allow. For more information on small mammals, click here.
As a foster-based organization, Renegade Paws Rescue's dogs are placed in loving homes. Due to this structure, they have limited capacity for owner surrenders. Additionally, as they are solely operated by volunteers, so they may not be able to respond to every relinquishing inquiry. In accordance with local laws, it is mandatory to report any discovered dogs to the appropriate municipal animal control. To submit a form for surrender, clickhere. Also, email a photo of your dog toinfo@renegadepawsrescue.org.

Getty Images
Recreation
Liberty Center Goden Age Center
The Golden Age Program offers a wide variety of recreational programming geared toward self-sufficient seniors, ages 55 and older, for an annual registration fee of $5. Lunches are served daily to seniors 60 and older (daily contributions accepted and 24 hours advance notice required). Seniors 55-59 may order meals at full price. In addition to daily activities, occasional guest speakers provide a wealth of information. Centers participants also enjoy monthly local bus trips and quarterly out-of-town trips so please call the center of your choice prior to visiting.
Here is the current schedule:
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-2:00pm (Adults 55+)
- Praise Dance: Monday 9 -10 a.m.
- Ceramics: Monday 1:30 p.m.
- BINGO: Tuesday: 10:30 a.m.
- Games: Wednesday 10 -11:30 a.m.
- Arts and Crafts: Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
- Chair Yoga: Friday 10 a.m.
- Lunch-Monday - Friday 12 p.m.
They have neighborhood centers designed to be your go-to place for socializing, exercise, and fun. They offer meals provided daily and available transportation to and from the Center. The engaging activities are free. They also offer senior companionship and classes for lifelong learners.
Their programming for active older adults takes into account takes into account dietary needs, physical ability, schedule, and brings you together with other active older adults to meet new friends and build a community. Various branches provide programs for active seniors who like pickleball, community gardening, movie nights, bowling, book clubs, outings, kayak trips, volunteer opportunities and more.

Getty Images
Senior Living
Discover senior living and retirement communities in Savannah currently available for rent and compare floor plans, amenities, and photos.
Mercy Housing Savannah Gardens Senior
Located in Savannah’s historic neighborhood, Mercy Housing partnered with Community Housing Services Agency Development and the City of Savannah to redevelop this community, first built in the 1940s. Savannah Gardens Senior Residences is an income-based community in which the household pays no more than 30% of household income on rent. The property features 39 apartment homes for seniors 62 years and older. To see floor plans, click here.

Getty Images
Transportation
CAT Mobility offers transportation services to customers for essential trips such as medical appointments, grocery shopping and work. To schedule or reschedule an appointment or get in touch with CAT for any reason call 912-233-5767 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., seven days a week. Those needing assistance after hours can call 912-651-0490.
CAT bus transportation offers a Half-Fare Program to seniors 65 years and older. Half-fare can apply to one-way trips, day passes, and monthly passes. To receive the discount, when first boarding the bus, present a valid state-issued ID with a photo showing qualifying age. For more information call 912-233-5767.
Coastal Regional Coaches (CRC) - Provides transportation services for any purpose within the ten counties of the Coastal Georgia region, including Chatham County. For more information or to schedule services call 912-514-1593.
Georgia Department of Driver Services
They are able to help those with an existing Georgia License, ID or Permit. You can renew your Georgia License or ID using theironline service, in person or by mail. They can also assist you in replacing a lost or stolen Georgia License or ID in person or online.

Getty Images
Violence
Georgia Department of Community Health
To report abuse, neglect, while residing in a long-term care facility (i.e. community living arrangements, personal care homes, intermediate care or skilled nursing homes), call the Georgia Department of Community Health at 1-800-878-6442 or send them an email by clicking here.
The mission of SAFE Shelter Center for Domestic Violence Services is to prevent domestic violence, protect victims and promote change in lives, families and the community. Open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, the SAFE Shelter provides safe, confidential services to all victims of domestic violence. Their 24-hour crisis line is available by calling 912-629-8888.
Savannah Police Department Family Violence Unit
The Family Violence Unit is responsible for investigating and overseeing cases involving intimate partners, family or household members. The Savannah Police Department formed the Family Violence Unit in January 2019 to make certain that those who choose to use violence against their partner or family are held responsible for their actions. The Family Violence Unit, commanded by, Sgt. Chad Bote, can be reached 912-651-6782.

Weather
To help seniors stay warm in the winter, they offer new blankets. In order to qualify for a blanket, seniors must be 65 years or older and have a low income. Those who would like to receive a blanket must bring a photo ID and proof of income to the Senior Citizens, Inc. building located on 3025 Bull St.
To help seniors stay cool in the summer they also have an annual Fan Drive and distribute unused box fans to seniors.
Call Senior Citizens, Inc. at 912-236-0363 for more information on both.